JORHAT: The first wave of floods hit Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on Friday. Park authorities said due the rising of water level of the Brahmaputa in the past few days, floodwaters have entered the park for the first time this year.
"Due to the rising of water level in Brahmaputa, some low lying areas in Kaziranga have been affected by floods. This is for the first time this year that floodwaters have entered the park periphery. Our preparations are on to tackle the situation," said a forest official in Kaziranga.
He added, "Park authorities have sounded an alert to all forest staff working in the national park. They have been ordered to take all necessary measures to ensure protection of animals."
Floods have affected park's three forest ranges - Bagori, Burapahar and Agoratoli - on Friday. Almost all the low-lying areas in these forest have been submerged. Animals taking shelter in the areas adjacent to the Brahmaputa have been shifted to other places in search of highlands.
Two hog deer were found dead on NH-37 on Thursday night. Both were hit by vehicles while they were crossing the highway from Burapahar forest range to reach the nearby Karbi hills. Later, forest staff found the carcasses of the animals but could not nab the offending vehicles.
Time cards issued to monitor vehicle speed
Park authorities have issued ‘time cards’ to monitor the speed of the vehicles passing through the park. All the vehicles have been asked to control their speed from Bokakhat to Jakhalabandha to ensure safety of animals during floods.
The civil administration of both Golaghat and Nagaon district have imposed Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure in the park areas. The sub-divisional magistrate of Bokakhat and Kaliabor has imposed ban on roadside parking of vehicles to ensure safety of animals crossing the highway.
Meanwhile, according to a water resource department report, the Brahmaputra was flowing above the danger mark at Neematighat at 4 pm on Friday. An official said the water level of the Brahmaputa was 86.02 meters against its danger mark at 85.54 metres.
